Tree Trimmer I/II

Carlsbad – The Community

The City of Carlsbad is ideally situated in north San Diego County where a great climate, beautiful beaches and lagoons, and abundant natural open space combine with world-class resorts, family attractions, well planned neighborhoods, excellent schools, and a charming village atmosphere to create the ideal California experience. Covering nearly 40 square miles, the City of Carlsbad is currently home to about 115,000 residents. The city sets the standard for high-quality local government services and is home to corporate headquarters in technology, life sciences and action sports, supported by a thriving tourism market and nearly 40 percent preserved open space. Thanks to an award-winning growth management plan, the city’s infrastructure and services keep pace with development and promote an excellent quality of life.

You belong in Carlsbad

The City of Carlsbad embraces and recognizes the vital relationship of an inclusive, engaged work environment and innovative excellence. An equitable and inclusive work climate comprises personal experiences, values, and views shaped from differences of culture and circumstance. Our organization appreciates belonging, creativity, recognition and retention of its employees and is committed to hiring and developing motivated, productive and talented employees who provide services and enhance our quality of life. We work to embrace open and equitable access to opportunities for learning and development as our responsibility and goal.

The Department:
The department is the steward of approximately 450 acres of parkland, featuring community and historic parks, senior services, playgrounds, multigenerational facilities, aquatic centers, tennis courts and multiuse fields. Nearly 40 percent of the city is dedicated open space, and the department maintains approximately 40 linear miles of recreational trails.

The department is a leading provider of world class service, projects, programs and events that strengthen and build community connectivity. The department has a robust Capital Improvement Program, which includes projects for parks’ retrofits, infills, and new developments.

Definition and Distinguishing Characteristics:
To participate in tree pruning, removal, and related duties; and to respond to emergency situations involving public and private trees.

Tree Trimmer I: This is the entry-level class in the Tree Trimmer series. This class is distinguished from the Tree Trimmer II by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series including operating the chipper and assisting with tree trimming activities. Since this class is typically an entry-level class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience. Receives immediate supervision from higher level supervisory staff.

Tree Trimmer II: This is the full journey level class within the Tree Trimmer series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Tree Trimmer I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned including all tree trimming assignments. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Senior Tree Trimmer in that the latter exercises functional and technical supervision over lower-level staff at the job site. Receives general supervision from higher level supervisory staff.

For more information regarding positions in Tree Trimmer family, please click on the links below:Tree Trimmer I/IITree Trimmer Leadworker

Salary Information:
Tree Trimmer I – $ 28.79 – $ 35.03 / Hourly
Tree Trimmer II – $ 32.13 – $ 39.09 / Hourly

Essential functions include but are not limited to:

• Provide exemplary customer service to all individuals by demonstrating a willingness to be attentive, understanding, responsive, fair, courteous and respectful, and to actively participate in maintaining a positive customer service environment.
• Participate in tree trimming, removal, and pruning services; chip tree clippings as needed; clean work sites.
• Set-up and remove traffic and pedestrian safety devices as needed.
• Maintain and care for street and park trees to ensure public safety; trim and prune trees to keep streets and sidewalks clear; clear tree branches from blocked stop signs and stop lights; cut back heavy limbs.
• Remove dead trees and fallen limbs; remove overgrown roots to preserve hardscapes.
• Operate a variety of equipment used in the trimming, removal, and pruning of trees including a chain saw, stump grinder, brush chipper, loader, aerial lift, and a variety of hand tools.
• Ensure the adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
• Respond to emergency situations.
• Assist in planting trees.
• Perform tree related duties and responsibilities.

Knowledge of:
Tree Trimmer I:

• Basic methods and techniques of tree climbing, pruning, removal and planting.
• Basic care, operation, and maintenance of a variety of mechanical equipment and power tools used in assigned work.

Tree Trimmer II:
In addition to the qualifications for Tree Trimmer I:

• Methods and techniques of tree pruning, removal and planting.
• Care, operation, and maintenance of a variety of mechanical equipment and power tools used in assigned work.
• Occupational hazards and adhere to standard safety practices.

Ability to:

Tree Trimmer I:

• Learn occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Learn to observe possible safety hazards and react accordingly.
• Learn to operate a variety of mechanical equipment and power tools in a safe and effective manner.
• Perform tree climbing, trimming, removal, and pruning activities.
• Perform a variety of manual tasks for extended periods of time and in unfavorable weather conditions.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following:
  • Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time
  • Operating assigned equipment
  • Climbing
• Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:
  • Making observations
  • Communicating with others
  • Reading and writing
  • Operating assigned equipment and vehicles

Tree Trimmer II:
In addition to the qualifications for Tree Trimmer I:

• Observe possible safety hazards and react accordingly.
• Operate a variety of mechanical equipment and power tools in a safe and effective manner.
• Demonstrate competency working in trees through climbing.

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Course work and training related to tree care is desirable.
  • Tree Trimmer I: One year of tree trimming experience is desirable.
  • Tree Trimmer II: Two years of tree trimming experience is desirable.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within six months of appointment, a valid Class A or B Driver’s License.
  • Class A license and airbrake endorsement are preferred.

Environmental Conditions:
Positions in this class have disagreeable working conditions regularly, including high work heights, noise, dirt, fumes, vibrations, heat, cold, wind, and dampness. The duties of the Tree Trimmer I/II require regular work under hazardous conditions. The Tree Trimmer I/II is part of the City’s emergency response system and requires periodic work in inclement weather or under emergency conditions.

Physical Conditions:
Positions in this class require frequent lifting/carrying of objects weighing 25-50 pounds, climbing, stooping, crouching, handling, reaching, crawling, and sometimes requires lifting/carrying of objects weighing 50-100 pounds.